- Original fragments of the Union Jack flag flown on the HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar
- A stunning relic from one of the most famous battles in naval history.
These two fragments were part of the Union Jack ensign that flew from HMS Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
They are comprised of red and blue hand-woven woollen bunting, matching the traditional material and colour of British naval flags from the period.
The two fragments together measure approximately 2 inches by 2.5 inches.
Following the battle, and Admiral Horatio Nelson's death, the ensign flags from the HMS Victory were returned to England along with his body.
They were used during his state funeral, carried by a group of 48 crew members as part of the grand procession that followed Nelson's casket to St Paul's Cathedral.
Nelson's crew were supposed to place the folded flags on the casket as it was lowered - but instead they were overcome with emotion.
The Naval Chronicle of 1806 reported:"....into the grave, in which all flags of the Victory, fueled by the sailors were deposited - These brave fellows, however desirous of retaining some memorials of their great and favourite commander, had torn off a considerable part of the largest flag, of which most of them obtained a portion..."
Comes complete with an archive featuring dozens of documents assembled over two decades, tracking the history and provenance of this item from the Battle of Trafalgar to the present day.
A larger section of the same flag was sold at Sotheby's in 2018 for approx £297,000.
Further details on this remarkable item are available on request.
ree global delivery. 28-day returns. Certificate of Authenticity and our Lifetime Moneyback Guarantee of Authenticity included.
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